Georgia: The Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, who is on an official visit to Bern, met the Mayor of Bern, Alec von Grafenried. The parties talked about the issues of Georgian-Swiss relations and emphasized the prospects of deepening cooperation between Tbilisi and Bern.
Special attention was paid to the existing experience in terms of transport and urban development, which Bern has. The mayor of Tbilisi informed his colleague about the projects implemented and planned in this direction in the capital of Georgia.
The historic decision made by the European Council on June 23 and Georgia’s firm choice to return to the European family were emphasized at the meeting. It was noted that the rapprochement of Georgia with European states, including Switzerland, is a successful step taken in the direction of European integration.
After the bilateral meeting, the mayors of Tbilisi and Bern signed a memorandum of understanding. Relations between cities include the following areas: urban development, transport, public safety, technology, education, culture and tourism.
“We had the opportunity, together with the mayor of Bern, to sign a memorandum of cooperation, which covers several directions. These are urban development, public transport, culture, education, and infrastructure. We have a very good experience to share. Bern is a developed city, Switzerland is a beautiful country, and, of course, sharing their experience is important for our capital in terms of infrastructure and urban amenities. This support will be important at the stage of implementation of various programs and projects. I want to thank the mayor of Bern for his hospitality. Of course, it is important to further deepen the relationship between our cities and people”, said Tbilisi Mayor Kakha.
Kakha Kaladze thanked Alec von Grafenried for his warm hospitality and expressed hope that the mayor of Bern will visit Tbilisi in the near future.
“I don’t know if there is friendship between nations, but I believe there is the friendship between people and cities, and that is even more important. We know that we, all in Europe, stand on common principles and values ​​- this is respect for human rights and democracy. I believe that since cities are closer to citizens, they will be better able to cooperate around these common values. That is why I think that the relationship between Tbilisi and Bern is important”, said the mayor of Bern.
Tbilisi Deputy Mayor Andria Basilaya and Georgian Ambassador to Switzerland Revaz Lominadze attended the event held in Bern City Hall.
